Clean Skincare Guide | 2020
I have spent the last few years learning a ton about proper skincare. Honestly, I didn’t wash my face on a daily basis until I was like 23. Shocking… I know! I have not experienced excess or systemic acne issues; mostly dry skin and clogged pores for me. What I have realized though, is that caring for your skin is not only for your “beauty”, it’s really for you.
Because I never went through the process of acne treatments with a dermatologist, I needed to search for my own products. I didn’t know exactly what I needed or didn’t need, what type of skin I had, or what products were safe for my skin. That search felt overwhelming in the beginning and truthfully it can still feel that way now. There’s big debate on what is “clean” and what is not and what is just a marketing scheme. I understand both sides of that conversation and think there is good information to hear from both parties, but this is where I am: I want to put things on my skin that are “proven” safe, effective, and affordable. I say proven in parentheses because “proven” may mean something different to me than it does to you. For this I turn to the Skin Deep guide on EWG as well as my own cognitive reasoning skills and knowledge.
I have tried a few different products over the years and the items below are what I am currently loving. As you will see, there are some areas where I splurge and others where I save. This will probably be different for everybody and is rotating for me. I find it fun to find new brands and try new products, so I am sure this lineup will change over the years.
I do not want this post to make anyone feel the need to buy a bunch of new products, because in reality we don’t NEED any of these things. But I think we can look at caring for our skin in a different light:
It is an opportunity for mindfulness.
Taking care of my skin and establishing a morning and nightly routine is a true form of self-care. I probably spend 10-minutes a day on my skincare routine. That is just a little over an hour a week, dedicated to slowing down, connecting with our breath and body, and caring for ourselves. A little goes a long way friends.
So with that information out of the way and the affirmation that you are absolutely beautiful the way you are, here is my Clean Skincare Lineup of 2020!
Morning Routine
Just the Goods Lightly Foaming Vegan Face Wash for Normal/Sensitive Skin
Gently and effectively cleans my face without over drying my skin. The product works well, and that price can’t be beat!
$7 for 4 oz
EWG Rating: Verified*
Just the Goods Vegan Cleansing Toner for Normal/Sensitive Skin
Only witch hazel and vegetable glycerin in this and it does as great a job as any facial toner I have tried.
$6.75 for 4 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
To be perfectly honest, I do not know how much this helps but it definitely hydrates my skin nicely and you can’t go wrong with Vitamin C.
$72 for 1 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
I have had a sample of this that I really enjoy and has lasted me awhile. It is light and absorbs nicely into the skin - probably the best facial sunscreen I have used.
$30 for 1.7 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Biossance Squalane & Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
This is the newest addition to the group. I use it in my morning routine as it is light yet hydrating and works well with makeup.
$52 for 1.6 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
One of my favorite lip products, but not the best rating. So if you have recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
$12 for 0.5 oz
EWG Rating: 2
Evening Routine
On the days I wear makeup, these are the perfect makeup remover wipes. They work well, are supremely rated, and have vitamin C and hyaluronic acid built into each wipe. While they are biodegradable, they are not compostable.
$9 for 25 Wipes
EWG Rating: Verified
Just the Goods Lightly Foaming Vegan Face Wash for Normal/Sensitive Skin
Same as above!
$7 for 4 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Just the Goods Vegan Cleansing Toner for Normal/Sensitive Skin
Same as above!
$6.75 for 4 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
If there is one product you splurge on… this should be it. The most amazing/magical peel. I use this around two times a week, but if I have a pimple coming or a big night ahead this is my go to. I will put it on at night and my pimple with - no joke - be gone the next morning. Biossance has a similar product and I have found it not as effective as this one. I have not tried any other brands of exfoliator.
$63 for 1 oz.
EWG Rating: Unverified 4** - contains various acid-based exfoliants which I have determined are safe for me
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
I have been using a sample of this for awhile, and actually have another sample ready to use after this one! I do not typically have dark circles, but I do feel like this really freshens up the skin around my eyes.
$54 for 0.5 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Another round of this good good.
$12 for 0.5 oz
EWG Rating: 2
Primally Pure Eucalyptus & Lavender Body Butter
I’m not sure why but I always wash my hands once I have finished my facial skin care routine. Then I always follow it up with this delicious and hydrating body butter. While I enjoy this product, it contains beeswax and tallow from cows, so it is not technically vegan. I will try to find another similarly great product once I am out.
$26 for 4 oz
EWG Rating: Unverified 1
Extras
Beautycounter Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
This is a really great exfoliating cleanser that I use maybe twice a week. I like it and will buy it again unless I can find something cheaper!
$26 for 5 oz
EWG Rating: 3 - the rating is marked due to salicylic acid and orange peel oil which I have determined is safe for me.
Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask
Lovely mask for a deep cleanse
$39 for 2.5 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist
I love this stuff. It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and also works as a toner and makeup setting/refresher spray. It just makes me feel special :)
$32 for 2.5 oz
EWG Rating: Verified
Primally Pure Unscented Deodorant
I am really trying to limit the amount of scents I put on my body, so I have been trying the unscented deodorant and I am not a fan. I’ve tried a sample of the Blue Tansy and liked it better, but I upon reviewing the ingredients I noticed they also include beeswax and tallow from cows. I am therefore in the market for a new deodorant if you have any suggestions!
$20 for 2.5 oz
EWG Rating: Unverified 1
My Top 3 Picks:
Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist
Billie Wonder Wipes
I hope you enjoyed the clean beauty post and found some new brands or products to include in your skincare routine.
If you’re interested in purchasing products from Biossance, please use my referral link for $15 off your first order!
Leave a comment below with any questions or recommendations for me!
*Best to Worst EWG Rating: Verified, 1, 2, 3, 4+
**If “Unverified” is listed next to a number it indicates that the rating was found from the “Build Your Own Report” feature on EWG.org.